On this day 191 years ago, Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha swore allegiance to the freshly drafted Belgian constitution and became the first King of Belgium.
Although it is often referred to in Belgian French as the “drache nationale” (national downpour) because of the heavy rains which may all of a sudden fall on this particular day, there are many celebrations you don’t want to miss if you happen to be around Brussels. They start the day before, 20th July, in the lively quarter of Les Marolles, where the National Ball takes place. Hundreds of people gather together to dance to the rhythm of traditional and popular music. Two very special dancers can also be spotted among the crowd: the royal couple!
The following day, 21st July, is entirely dedicated to parades, concerts and fireworks.
Whether you are far from Belgium and want to honour this country, or you got caught in the rain during the celebrations and arrived home soaking wet, there’s always a good reason to practise your interpreting skills! What’s more, Belgium gives us the opportunity to promote not just one language section but three, as many as its official languages (Dutch, French and German).
On our behalf, we would like to wish all our Belgian friends… Aan iedereen een fijne nationale feestdag gewenst! Bonne fête nationale à toutes et tous ! Wir wünschen euch einen schönen Nationalfeiertag!